Education and Schools in Ghana

There are numerous educational systems and schools operating in Ghana. The majority of expats find the Ghanian national curriculum to be limited, teaching methods to be outdated and the standard of facilities to be lower than what they would be used to back at home. For these reasons, most expats bypass public schooling options in Ghana and opt to send their child to an international school.

The majority of international schools in Ghana are located in the country's capital, Accra. The major advantage these schools have is that they follow various foreign curriculums which allow for an easier transition for expat students. The standard of teaching at international schools tend to be high and facilities are in line with those students would be accustomed to in Europe or North America. Expats considering sending their child to an international school in Accra should negotiate an allowance to cover the expense of school fees into their employment package whenever possible.

Public schools in Ghana

The local school system, which operates throughout the country, is modelled on a traditional British school system, and some textbooks are directly derived from British texts used in England years ago.

Although English is the official language in Ghana, the language of instruction at the primary level in many regions is the local vernacular; whereas in Accra, most schools teach in English with only the elective courses in local languages. The focus is on rote learning, or learning by memorisation and repetition. Although this can be effective for younger children, most expats will find the lack of focus on individual thinking and problem solving somewhat limiting.

Students begin their six-year primary education at the age of six. After primary school, students pass into a new junior secondary school system for three years of academic training combined with technical and vocational training. Senior secondary school follows for three additional years.

Primary and junior secondary education are supposedly tuition-free and mandatory. However, there is no way to enforce attendance since there are not enough teachers and facilities available to accommodate all students. Also, many families cannot afford the other levies and school uniforms, and as a result, there are still many local children seen working in the streets during school hours.

Most local schools condone and support corporal punishment for minor infractions, with the instrument of choice being a yard-long wooden cane. Students are commonly given the task of cleaning school compounds, which can involve cutting the lawn with machetes and shovelling out open gutters.

International schools in Ghana

Due to the large expatriate community in Accra, private schools have emerged that are modelled on the education systems in other countries.

There is a French school, a Swiss School (where the predominant language of instruction is German), and a few British and American Schools. The Delhi School of Ghana is situated in Tema, a 30-minute drive from Accra.

Outside Accra, it will be very difficult to find schools that offer international school curricula. Many expat parents, who live in other regions, decide to homeschool their children instead.

The international schools are all quite different in terms of tuition fees, standards and diplomas offered. Expats should research well before coming to Ghana.

Most international schools are quite costly; at times, costing as much or more than university education in the West. Expats should take care to negotiate tuition allowances in their contract, or to negotiate their salary accordingly, if planning to send their child to a costly international school.

International Schools in Ghana listing

Lincoln Community School (LCS)Website:www.lincoln.edu.ghGender: Co-educationalCurriculum: American and International Baccalaureate

Ghana International School (GIS)Website: www.gis.edu.ghGender: Co-educationalCurriculum: British

American International School (AIS)Website: www.aisaccra.orgGender: Co-educationalCurriculum: American

British International School (BIS)Website:www.bisgh.comGender: Co-educationalCurriculum: British

Tema International CollegeWebsite:www.tis.edu.ghGender: Co-educationalCurriculum: International Baccalaureate

More information:

Parent in Ghana?

Are you an expat parent in Ghana? We are always looking for local "expat experts" to share their experience with schools and education in Ghana, and to answer forum questions for people moving or planning to move to Ghana. Please contact us if you would like to contribute.